The second dimension of quality in the ABS DQF is Relevance. This dimension refers to how well the statistical product or release meets the needs of users in terms of the concept(s) measured, and the population(s) represented. Consideration of the relevance associated with a statistical product is important as it enables an assessment of whether the product addresses the issues most important to policy-makers, researchers and to the broader Australian community.

The dimension of Relevance can be evaluated by considering the following key aspects:

Scope and coverage: the purpose or aim for collecting the information, including identification of the target population, discussion of whom the data represent, who is excluded and whether there are any impacts or biases caused by exclusion of particular people, areas or groups.

Reference period: this refers to the period for which the data were collected (e.g., the September-December quarter of the 2008-09 financial year), as well as whether there were any exceptions to the collection period (e.g., delays in receipt of data, changes to field collection processes due to natural disasters).

Geographic detail: information about the level of geographical detail available for the data (e.g., postcode area, Statistical Local Area) and the actual geographic regions for which data are available.

Main outputs/ data items: whether the data measures the concepts meant to be measured for its intended uses.

Classifications and statistical standards: the extent to which the classifications and standards used reflect the target concepts to be measured or the population of interest.

Type of estimates available: this refers to the nature of the statistics produced, which could be index numbers, trend estimates, seasonally adjusted data, or original unadjusted data.

Other cautions: information about any other relevant issue or caution that should be exercised in the use of the data.

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